I mounted the Bosun compass today. The only practical place
for it was on the outward side of the lower washboard. There it will be clear
of ropes etc when I am working the boat, and at the same time it will be just
at the right height for me to observe the ship’s heading when I’m at the helm.
The compass will only be used when the boat is underway; therefore it will not
matter if the washboard partially blocks the companionway. If I have to enter
the cabin, I can remove the washboard and place it along with the compass on
the leeward side of the cockpit floor where it will be relatively secure.
When the compass is not in use I shall keep it on its second
mounting bracket which I fitted to the forward bulkhead below the washing-up
bowl. There it will be out of harm’s way, and yet be available for checking the
ship’s heading if she happens to be underway while being steered by the
Autohelm, and I’m in the cabin avoiding the rain!
There is a forward window,
and windows either side of the cabin; therefore I should be able to observe
what is happening outside, even astern if I do not fit the upper washboard. I
suspect ‘Sandpiper’ will not always sail a steady course when being steering by
the Autohelm, particularly if the wind is gusty, but I’ll deal with that when it
happens, probably by sitting in the cockpit, and getting wet.
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